6 December representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, during a closed session of the conference in Washington, presented a list of weapons to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Documents show that, along with other equipment, Ukraine also wants three types of drones produced by General Atomics, including the MQ-9B Sky Guardian.
What is known about the new MQ-9B Sky Guardian drone – ICTV Facts tell.
MQ-9B Sky Guardian: what it is and its features
Multi-Mission Drone MQ-9B SkyGuardian is an advanced version of General Atomics' Predator B or MQ-9 Reaper. This was reported by the press service of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI).
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The first flight of the drone took place on March 30, 2020. It took off as BC03 at GA-ASI Airfield in El Mirage, California.
Drone will be used:
- for ground and flight tests;
- checking the capabilities of the device;
- data collection for airworthiness certification.
– With the first flight of a representative production aircraft, we remain on track to deliver the MQ-9B Protector to the Royal Air Force. Protector revolutionizes the long-endurance RPA market by providing all-weather capability and NATO type certification to enable flexible operations in civil airspace,” said Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI.
It is worth noting that the Protector RG Mk1 is being purchased for the RAF SkyGuardian configuration.
Assignment of MQ-9B Sky Guardian
MQ-9B Sky Guardian is a reconnaissance drone developed by General Atomics. This medium-altitude aircraft has a long flight duration, which is very good for long-term work.
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The multi-purpose MQ-9B Sky Guardian drone is designed to operate in any weather. It is resistant to damage, has an anti-icing system and lightning protection.
Note that the United States often uses this drone for reconnaissance. In particular, in the Black Sea.
Technical characteristics of MQ-9B Sky Guardian
The MQ-9B Sky Guardian drone can reach speeds of up to 480 kilometers per hour.
- The drone has a wingspan of 24 meters and a length of 11.7 m;
- Maximum gross take-off weight – 5,670 kg;
- Cruising speed at an altitude of 7.5 thousand meters is 388 km per hour;
- Payload capacity – 2,155 kg.
The drone can perform missions at an altitude of more than 12,200 meters. Time spent in the air is more than 40 hours.
The multi-role MQ-9B SkyGuardian (and its naval variant SeaGuardian) has a specially developed GA-ASI collision detection and avoidance system.
The MQ-9 also has a strike version. It can be armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Mark 82 guided bombs.
The MQ-9B Sky Guardian drone has extraordinary reconnaissance capabilities that will be useful to Ukraine in wartime.
Photo: General Atomics Aeronautical
